Ettore Lamacchia (2011 cohort)
Please provide a brief summary of your PhD project.
My research focuses on the analysis of multistable shell structures for morphing applications. Multistable structures are simple structures able to morph between two or more configurations without the need of an external force to maintain that specific stable state. The model that I have developed accurately captures the different stable states of a multistable shell structure in a computationally efficient fashion and without any simplifying hypothesis on the initial shell curvature.
Did you choose to continue your XP project as a PhD? Why or why not?
I particularly enjoyed my XP project, and I chose to continue it as a PhD mainly because I wanted to investigate further some of the aspects of the multistability of doubly-curved shells.
How did the taught component benefit your PhD research?
The taught component provides a solid background to approach the PhD research autonomously.
How did the cohort structure benefit your PhD research?
There is always somebody able to answer your questions in the cohorts.
What did you most value about being part of a CDT?
Being able to compromise and evaluate your solutions compared to the ones proposed by other people.
What was the 'impact' of your research?
The model I have developed describes the multistability of doubly-curved shell structures with arbitrary initial curvature. It therefore represents a tool that the designer can use for the accurate description and the quick parametric study of doubly curved shell structures for potential morphing applications.
What was your destination on leaving the CDT?
Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Bristol.
What are your main responsibilities?
Structural design of novel aircraft wing concepts.
Where do you see yourself in five to ten years' time?
R&D in the aerospace field.
How have the skills and knowledge you acquired during your time in the CDT helped develop your career?
Technical, communication and organisational skills are obviously fundamental aspects that you learn and develop during your CDT years. However, I think that the multidisciplinary environment is what helped me more in developing my career so far.